Examining the presence of arching action in edge-stiffened cantilever slab overhangs subjected to a static and fatigue wheel load
Engineers proposed the idea that arching action present may be present in bridge deck cantilever slab overhangs, stiffened along their longitudinal free edge via a traffic barrier, subjected to a wheel load. The experimental research program consisted of the design, construction, and static as we...
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2015
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1993/30859 |
| Summary: | Engineers proposed the idea that arching action present may be present in bridge deck
cantilever slab overhangs, stiffened along their longitudinal free edge via a traffic barrier,
subjected to a wheel load. The experimental research program consisted of the design,
construction, and static as well as fatigue destructive testing of a full-scale innovative bridge
deck slab complete with two traffic barrier walls.
The observed experimental data provided extremely interesting findings that indicated a very
strong presence of arching action in edge-stiffened cantilever slab overhangs subjected to
static and fatigue wheel loads. Deflection profiles indicated curvatures that contradict
classical flexural behavior. Large tensile strain magnitudes on the bottom reinforcing mat in
all cantilever test locations as well as cracking patterns dictate behavior typical to arching
action. Top transverse strains measured did not agree with flexural theory and patterns
confirmed earlier research finding that the quantity of top transverse reinforcement may be
reduced. Compressive strains measured on the top surface of the cantilever contradicted
flexural theory and confirmed the presence of arching action. Punching shear modes of
failure observed in all test locations also strengthened the argument for the presence of
arching action. Theoretical and analytical modeling techniques were able to validate and
confirm the experimental test results.
Based on experimental research findings and analytical modeling researchers were able to
confirm a major presence of arching action in edge-stiffened cantilever slab overhangs
subjected to static and fatigue wheel loads. Recommendations include a proposed reduction
in top transverse reinforcement provided in the adjacent internal panel due to the presence
arching action that could contribute to a significant initial capital cost savings. Based on the
research findings, the report also suggests potential provisions to design codes that take into
account the presence of arching action. Further research and theoretical modeling is still
required to better understand the presence of arching action in edge-stiffened cantilever slab
overhangs. Additional testing and a demonstration project complete with civionics and
structural health monitoring will aid engineers in the implementation of the break-through
findings highlighted in this study. === February 2016 |
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